The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary

The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary A community-based pest-free wildlife sanctuary working towards restoring an eco-system on Nelson's doorstep.

Imagine a place... where native plants and animals thrive, without threat from introduced pests. ... alive with birdsong, where rare species such as kiwi, tuatara and kakapo roam freely. ... where you can get involved and make a difference. ... where visitors can see native flora and fauna close to home.

🍄 Last Fungi Tour of the Season! 🍄Don’t miss your final opportunity this season to join one of our guided Fungi Tours at...
10/06/2026

🍄 Last Fungi Tour of the Season! 🍄

Don’t miss your final opportunity this season to join one of our guided Fungi Tours at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary.

Spaces are still available this Saturday at 10:30am.

Step into the ngahere and discover the remarkable diversity of fungi flourishing beneath the forest canopy. Guided by our knowledgeable volunteer - Rebecca Bowater, you'll uncover unique species and learn about the vital role fungi play in supporting healthy forest ecosystems.

Whether you're a keen nature enthusiast, a curious explorer, or simply looking to deepen your connection with Aotearoa’s native environment, this is an experience not to be missed.

Spaces are limited, so book your place today and explore the fascinating world beneath the forest floor.

https://www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/visit/guided-tours-experiences

📷 Photo credits: Rebecca Bowater & Steffi Kuenstle

🌙✨ Explore the Sanctuary After Dark and Grab a 20% discount this June! ✨🌙Experience the magic of the Sanctuary at night ...
09/06/2026

🌙✨ Explore the Sanctuary After Dark and Grab a 20% discount this June! ✨🌙

Experience the magic of the Sanctuary at night with our guided night tours. Discover luminous glow worms, immerse yourself in the sounds of the nocturnal forest, and keep your ears open for the distinctive call of a kiwi. Along the way, learn about the conservation efforts helping to protect and restore our native wildlife and habitats.

Enjoy 20% off all guided night tours!

🎟️ Enjoy 20% off "A Night in the Forest" guided night tour bookings throughout June 2026
📅 Valid for new bookings only
🌿 Every booking helps support the Sanctuary and its conservation efforts

Use promo code 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝟐𝟎 when booking.

www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/visit/guided-tours-experiences

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and join us for an unforgettable evening in nature.

Caption this kākā! 👇We'll start... 👀 "Excuse me... is there any more food in there?"Recently captured by Chris Bernard.
08/06/2026

Caption this kākā! 👇

We'll start... 👀 "Excuse me... is there any more food in there?"

Recently captured by Chris Bernard.

𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 🍃Gather at The Beech Glade classroom, within the beautiful Brook Waimār...
08/06/2026

𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 🍃

Gather at The Beech Glade classroom, within the beautiful Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, for a gentle and grounding hour of guided meditation in nature this Sunday, 14th June - 9:00am–10:00am.

This session weaves together simple seated and walking practices designed to help focus and quieten the mind, supporting a deeper experience of presence and awareness. Surrounded by the sounds and stillness of the natural world, you’ll be invited to slow down, reconnect, and come home to Presence.

🌳 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: Sunday, 14th June - 9:00am–10:00am
💦 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: Meet at The Glade (please arrive 15 mins early to allow time to walk in)
🔥 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐚: $5–$10 donation, paid in cash directly to meditation teacher
🍃 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Not required, just turn up to the session.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠:
➡️Something comfortable to sit on such as a cushion or folded blanket (There are some plastic chairs and wooden benches available. If you wish to sit on the floor you may wish to bring a yoga mat as well)
➡️A blanket to keep warm
➡️Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing

𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐦ā𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲:
🌳Sanctuary Members: Free of charge as per annual membership
🌳Non-Sanctuary Members: Early-bird special of $10 per adult (This provides an opportunity for guests/visitors to explore after the session)

All are welcome—whether you’re new to meditation or have an established practice.

Kalyan Yoga

Fungi season at the Sanctuary 🍄Have you already spotted any of the miniature coral-looking mushrooms popping up during w...
05/06/2026

Fungi season at the Sanctuary 🍄

Have you already spotted any of the miniature coral-looking mushrooms popping up during winter? These beautifully shaped fungi are highly diverse here in Aotearoa, with around 100 species split across 10 genera, some of them displaying surprisingly vibrant colours.

Most coral fungi are saprobic, which means they are part of nature’s recycling team: they decompose rotting leaves and wood. However, some coral fungi are mycorrhizal, meaning they obtain nutrients through a mutually beneficial exchange of water and nutrients with trees. Coral fungi belonging to the genus Ramaria, for example, form this special relationship with beech trees, as well as mānuka and kānuka.

Keep a look out while exploring the Sanctuary forest floor.

🍺 Introducing the Free House Pub's special Kākā Ale!A huge thank you to Eelco and the team at The Free House Pub for cre...
04/06/2026

🍺 Introducing the Free House Pub's special Kākā Ale!

A huge thank you to Eelco and the team at The Free House Pub for creating this unique brew in celebration of the recent kākā arrivals to the Sanctuary.

Available from Monday 8 June, this limited-release pale ale is inspired by one of our most charismatic native birds. Burnt orange in colour — reflecting the feathers around the kākā's eyes — it features a touch of pōhutukawa honey and locally foraged hīnau and miro berries.

Even better, 10% of every Kākā Ale sold will be donated to the Sanctuary, helping support our conservation work and the wildlife that call it home.

So, if you're looking for a great excuse to enjoy a warm meal and a pint, head along to The Free House Pub and raise a glass to conservation.

A big thank you to The Free House team for their support of the Sanctuary and our feathered friends. 🦜

40 Years Below – Roger Lusby presents 🌳Fifty-five years ago, Roger Lusby wintered over as base mechanic at Scott Base An...
04/06/2026

40 Years Below – Roger Lusby presents 🌳

Fifty-five years ago, Roger Lusby wintered over as base mechanic at Scott Base Antarctica. Over the last three years he has created a personal audio-visual show that includes pictures, stories, songs, poems and humour to share his experience. This is also a tribute to Sir Ernest Shackleton.

All ticket sales go directly to supporting conservation in the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary – thanks to the Support from Roger Lusby and The Boathouse

𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞: The Boathouse | 326 Wakefield Quay, Stepneyville, Nelson
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: Wednesday, 1st July 2026
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 6:00pm – 8:00pm (show begins 6:30pm for 1.5 hours and half an hour intermission)

𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬: $20 (Sanctuary Member), $25 (Non-Members), $45 Family, Children under 15 Free

Book your ticket below ⬇
https://www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/2026/05/40-years-below

03/06/2026

☔With the recent heavy rain, we're pleased to share that the Sanctuary has come through in good shape, with no significant impacts.

It's hard to believe that just over a year ago, in May 2025, the Sanctuary was facing a very different reality. As many of you will remember, a severe storm on caused significant damage across Brook Waimārama Sanctuary and region, including a major slip along our pest-proof fence, flood damage to the historic dam, and the loss of critical monitoring equipment.

The deluge created major challenges for our team, volunteers, and the Sanctuary’s biosecurity systems. The timing made the impact even more significant, as it occurred only weeks after the arrival of our kiwi pukupuku, placing additional pressure on our efforts to protect and monitor these precious birds.

Looking back on that difficult time reminds us just how fortunate we are to have such an incredible community behind us. To everyone who donated, volunteered, shared our updates, offered words of encouragement, or supported us in any way — thank you. Your generosity and commitment played a vital role in helping the Sanctuary recover and rebuild.

The resilience shown over the past year has been remarkable. We're deeply grateful for the support that helped us through one of our most challenging periods and for everyone who continues to stand alongside us as we protect and restore this special place.

Thank you for being part of the Sanctuary's journey. 💚

#

🎉 We have a winner! 🎉The votes are in, and your 2026 Parrot of the Year is... The Kākā (Nestor meridionalis)!This intell...
02/06/2026

🎉 We have a winner! 🎉

The votes are in, and your 2026 Parrot of the Year is... The Kākā (Nestor meridionalis)!

This intelligent and charismatic forest parrot is found only in New Zealand, where it plays an important role in native ecosystems. Once common throughout the country, Kākā populations declined due to habitat loss and introduced predators, and the species is now classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Today, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, including predator control, habitat restoration, advocacy, and reintroduction programmes, Kākā are being given a brighter future.

A special thank you to our partners at Natureland Zoo and The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary for their dedication to Kākā conservation and for the vital work they do to protect and restore wild populations, as well as to the many organisations, communities, and individuals across New Zealand working tirelessly to safeguard Kākā and their future.

Thank you to everyone who voted and helped shine a spotlight not only on this remarkable species, but on all five of our Parrot of the Year candidates and the people working tirelessly to protect them.

💚 Want to learn more? Head to our website to discover all of this year's candidates and the conservation projects helping parrots thrive around the world.

Congratulations once again to the Kākā, your Parrot of the Year 2026!

☔Due to the heavy rain forecast for King’s Birthday long weekend, and out of an abundance of caution we’ve made the deci...
30/05/2026

☔Due to the heavy rain forecast for King’s Birthday long weekend, and out of an abundance of caution we’ve made the decision that the Sanctuary will be closed both today and Monday.

Address

651 Brook Street, The Brook
Nelson
7010

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+6435394920

Website

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